SharePoint: Upload and Manage Files

Overview

SharePoint document libraries provide a central location for storing and managing files that employees share and collaborate on. Depending on your permissions, you may be able to upload files, create folders, rename or move documents, and download copies for use on your device.

This article explains how to perform common file management tasks in SharePoint and troubleshoot issues that may prevent you from managing files.

Key Information

  • Files should be uploaded to the appropriate SharePoint site and document library.
  • Available actions depend on your permissions for the site or document library.
  • You can organize files into folders to make content easier to find.
  • Renaming or moving a file may affect how colleagues locate it.
  • Downloading a file creates a local copy on your device; changes to that copy do not automatically update the SharePoint version.
📝 Note: SharePoint sites and document libraries may look different depending on how they are configured. Some options may not be available if you do not have the required permissions.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have:

  • An active Northwood Technical College account.
  • Access to the SharePoint site and document library where you want to manage files.
  • The file you want to upload, if applicable.
  • Permission to add or modify files in the selected location.

Instructions

Open a SharePoint Document Library

  1. Go to MyCampus.
  2. Search for and open SharePoint.
  3. If prompted, sign in using your Northwood Technical College account.
  4. Open the SharePoint site where you want to manage files.
  5. Select Documents or the appropriate document library.

Upload a File

  1. Open the document library where you want to store the file.
  2. Click Upload.
  3. Select Files.
  4. Browse to the file on your computer and select it.
  5. Click Open.
  6. Verify that the file appears in the document library.

Create a Folder

  1. Open the document library where you want to create the folder.
  2. Click New.
  3. Select Folder.
  4. Enter a name for the folder.
  5. Click Create.
  6. Open the folder to add or upload files as needed.

Rename a File or Folder

  1. Open the document library containing the file or folder.
  2. Locate the item you want to rename.
  3. Select the item or click the More options menu (three dots) next to it.
  4. Select Rename.
  5. Enter the new name.
  6. Confirm or save the change.

Move a File or Folder

  1. Open the document library containing the item.
  2. Select the file or folder you want to move.
  3. Click Move to in the toolbar or the item's More options menu.
  4. Select the destination folder or document library.
  5. Click Move to complete the action.
  6. Verify that the item appears in the destination location.

Download a File

  1. Open the document library containing the file.
  2. Locate the file you want to download.
  3. Select the file or click its More options menu.
  4. Click Download.
  5. Locate the downloaded file on your computer.
⭐ Best Practice: Before moving, renaming, or reorganizing shared files, consider whether colleagues rely on the existing location or name. Use clear, descriptive file and folder names to help everyone find information.

Troubleshooting

I cannot upload a file

Try the following:

  • Verify that you are in the correct SharePoint site and document library.
  • Confirm that you have permission to add files.
  • Check that the file is accessible on your device.
  • Try refreshing the page and uploading the file again.
  • If the upload continues to fail, note any error messages.

I cannot create a folder or rename a file

Try the following:

  • Verify that you are in the correct document library.
  • Check whether the New or Rename option is available.
  • Confirm that you have permission to modify content in that location.
  • Contact the SharePoint site owner if the required option is unavailable.

I cannot move a file

Try the following:

  • Verify that the destination folder or document library exists.
  • Confirm that you have permission to access the destination and move content there.
  • Check whether the file is currently being used or restricted.
  • If the move option is unavailable or an error appears, contact the site owner.

I cannot find a file after uploading or moving it

Try the following:

  • Verify that you uploaded or moved the file to the intended document library.
  • Check the destination folder.
  • Use the document library's search feature, if available.
  • Refresh the page and check again.

I downloaded a file, but my changes are not appearing in SharePoint

Downloading a file creates a local copy on your device.

Try the following:

  • Locate the file you downloaded and confirm where your changes were saved.
  • If you edited the local copy, upload the updated file to SharePoint when appropriate.
  • Before replacing an existing shared file, verify that doing so will not overwrite other users' changes.

Need Additional Assistance

If you're unable to upload, organize, rename, move, or download files after following the steps and troubleshooting guidance above, submit a Service Desk ticket.

Include the SharePoint site name, document library or folder, the issue you're experiencing, and any error messages or screenshots, if available, so the Service Desk can assist you as quickly as possible

 

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